Nausea and vomiting are troublesome physical symptoms, where nausea is the sensation of wanting to vomit, while vomiting is the act of expelling stomach contents through the mouth. In this article, we will highlight the possible causes and influencing factors, including diseases, lifestyle changes, and psychological factors. We will also discuss tips and available treatments that can help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
What is Nausea and Vomiting?
Nausea is the feeling that overwhelms you when you have the urge to vomit, while vomiting is the actual expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. They may occur together, but sometimes people feel nauseous without vomiting, while others vomit without feeling nauseous.
What are the Causes of Nausea and Vomiting?
The most common causes include:
- Food Poisoning: Consuming spoiled food can lead to food poisoning, often accompanied by diarrhea.
- Other Types of Infections: Various infections affecting the stomach or intestines can cause nausea and vomiting. These include viral and bacterial infections.
- Motion Sickness or Dizziness: It can occur when on a boat, in a car, or any moving object. Additionally, inner ear problems affecting your balance can contribute.
- Medications: Many medications can cause nausea or vomiting, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, vitamins, birth control pills, and pain relievers. Chemotherapy for cancer treatment or anesthesia can also be triggers.
- Pregnancy: Many pregnant women experience nausea or vomiting.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD causes stomach acid to leak into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
- Stomach or Intestinal Issues: Bowel obstruction can lead to nausea or vomiting.
- Migraine Headaches: Some individuals with migraines experience nausea during a headache.
- Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol may cause nausea and vomiting.
When to See a Doctor?
Contact your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if you experience severe symptoms like:
- Chest or abdominal pain.
- Vomiting blood.
- Stools containing blood, or if the stool color is black.
- Fever.
- Headache or neck stiffness.
- Extreme fatigue or difficulty waking up.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Severe fatigue.
- Severe thirst, dry mouth, or tongue.
- Muscle cramps.
- Dizziness.
- Confusion.
- Dark yellow urine or not needing to urinate for more than 5 hours.
Tips During Nausea and Vomiting
- Drink fluids when possible. Sipping small amounts every 15 to 30 minutes can be beneficial. Consuming liquids with added salt can help replace lost fluids during excessive vomiting.
- Try to eat, starting with fluid-rich foods, followed by bland, non-spicy foods. Foods high in carbohydrates, like bread or salted crackers, may help soothe your stomach.
- Ginger, either in tea or other forms, may alleviate nausea.
- Avoid foods high in fat.
- Steer clear of strong odors, such as perfumes.
How to Treat Nausea and Vomiting?
- Intravenous (IV) fluids administered through a thin tube inserted into a vein.
- Medications to control nausea and vomiting, including Prochlorperazine, Promethazine, Metoclopramide, and Ondansetron.
- X-ray imaging of the stomach.
- Upper endoscopy: A thin tube with a light and small camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the stomach.
Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting
Prevention depends on the cause. You can:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Pay attention to food safety, avoiding unpasteurized milk, washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, and refraining from undercooked foods.
Best Doctor for Nausea and Vomiting Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is the best doctor for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. He is a consultant in hepatology, gastroenterology, and endoscopy, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Currently, Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie teaches general internal medicine, liver, and digestive system diseases at Al-Azhar University in Cairo.
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie actively participates in various local and international scientific conferences and has numerous published scientific research papers in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the causes of nausea and vomiting using the latest techniques and modern treatment methods.